Criminal Justice

Prisons, profit, policing, and poverty are intimately connected. For Black LGBTQ/SGL people, experiences with law enforcement, the justice system, and the lack of resources for ex-offenders to rebuild their lives are inextricably linked to racism and LGBTQ/SGL discrimination and bias. Research shows that LGBTQ/SGL people of color are overrepresented in US jails and prisons. In addition, LGBTQ/SGL people of color are disproportionately impacted by discriminatory HIV criminalization laws and policies that promote hyper-surveillance often resulting in the incarceration of sex workers or those assumed to be sex workers.

Legislation or other Government Actions to Advance Priority

Amend the Edward Byrne Act to prevent police departments involved in misconduct, do not report arrest data or use community oversight resources intended to support meaningful community engagement from accessing federal funds for those departments.

Introduce legislation to support workforce development investments for formerly incarcerated individuals as well as neighborhoods greatly impacted by mass criminalization.